Living in Los Angeles means living within close proximity to the Kodak Theatre and thus means that Oscar-week is never a fun or easy time for those of us stuck in traffic or unable to make reservations around town. Town cars aplenty, vendors trying to get their wares into the VIP gifting suites, and virtually no black-tie gowns or multi-million dollar jewelry left for purchase in the city of angels, Oscar-week can be a stressful time for Angelenos. It doesn’t have to be. Take the awards-season-madness and turn it into a whole new way to enjoy the Oscars. Just like your birthday, live it for a full week instead of just one day.
Leading up to the big show, there are a number of screenings, panel discussions, dinners, and shopping excursions that really will fill up your schedule, so tell your personal assistant to hold your calls.
At RH at the Andaz Hotel, make a dinner reservation from March 5-7 to enjoy a Julie & Julia inspired meal. It’s a three-course menu including Lobster Ravioli, a classic Beouf Bourgignonne, and Perigourdine Poached Eggs. Don’t refrain from saying “Bon Apetit” in a tres Julia Childs’ accent.
Slightly harder reservations to secure around town will be worthwhile if people-watching is up there in your favorite pastimes. Everyone from Zagat to NBC has chimed in about where best to spot celebrities before their turn on the red carpet. The general consensus seems to be Bouchon in Beverly Hills for a potential sighting of a Best Actor nominee, The Bazaar at the SLS Hotel to spot a red carpet darling who’s maybe only presenting this year, and Mozza to catch a glimpse of an LA-local enjoying the fruits of his or her silver screen labor.
If shopping is your modus-operandi, check out the glittering gowns and vintage jewels at Decades on Melrose or at Lily et Cie on Burton Way in Beverly Hills – both shops have dressed so many celebrities for the penultimate red carpet experience that they’ve lost count.
Before you start screaming at the TV on Sunday night because the film you actually saw didn’t win, it may be time to educate yourself on all the nominees. At the historic Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, there are screenings and panels later this week that will make your bets more educated than just blind opinions. On Friday evening, they’re screening all of the Animated and Live Action nominated Short Films followed by a panel discussion with all the nominated Film Editors on Saturday morning. In the early afternoon on Saturday, they’re hosting another panel with all of the nominated Art Directors. Appreciating those wily behind-the-scenes types will temper your awards season road rage in no time.
